Media release – National

2011 Census data shows a snapshot of Queensland

The changing face of Queensland was revealed today as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the first results of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.

The results show that the new Census resident population of Queensland is 4,332,739, up from 3,904,530 in 2006 – an increase of 11 per cent.

The data also shows that the local government area with the biggest growth in Queensland is Brisbane, which now has 1,041,842 people up from 956,130 in 2006 – a rise of nine per cent.

The local government area with the highest proportionate increase in Queensland is Aurukun, which grew 23.7 per cent to 1,295 people from 1,047 in 2006.

Housing in the State has also seen some significant changes over the past five years with median household weekly rents up to $300 from $200 in 2006, an increase of 50 per cent. This compares to the national average of $285 which was an increase of 49.2 per cent. Median monthly household mortgage repayments also increased to $1,850 from $1,300 in 2006, an increase of 42.3 per cent. This compares to the national average of $1,800 which increased by 38.5 per cent.

Queensland Census Director, Sally Pritchard, said the release of 2011 Census data is a big day for the State.

“It’s great to see Queensland hit the four million mark for the first time in a Census,” Ms Pritchard said.

“This data will help shape the future of Queensland over the next five years.

“Census data is used to help determine the allocation of GST funding to our State, and to plan vital services and infrastructure for the people of Queensland. This includes things such as hospitals and health services, schools, and public transport.”

Ms Pritchard thanked the people of Queensland for participating in the Census and encouraged everyone to make use of Australia’s richest source of statistical information.

“The 2011 Census has been a great success, due largely to the support of people across the country. In return, there is now a wealth of data available freely online, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and provides a great snapshot of your community and your State.

“The ABS has introduced a range of new easy-to-use tools, including QuickStats, to make searching Census data fast and simple,” Ms Pritchard added.

Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

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